Third Shot Drive

The third shot drop is the standard, but the third shot drive is a valid and often underused alternative. When the return is short or sits up, driving it hard at the opposing team's feet forces them to block defensively rather than attack. A successful third shot drive either wins the point outright or produces a pop-up that the serving team can attack on the fifth shot. It is most effective when mixed with drops to keep the returning team guessing. Aim it at the player with the weaker block volley.

The third shot drive is most effective when disguised as a drop, with the same preparation, backswing, and stance. Release it late, once the ball is clearly attackable. Opponents who cannot tell the drive from the drop must hold position at the kitchen line. They cannot step in to attack the drop they expect. This hesitation creates a window for the drive to land at their feet before they can react fully.

Targeting matters critically on the third shot drive. A drive aimed at the body of the player in the middle is the highest-percentage choice. It arrives quickly and removes the clean angle that corner drives require. A drive aimed at the stronger player's forehand allows a comfortable counter-attack. A drive aimed at the weaker player's backhand, or at the player with slower reactions, produces the most errors. Scouting which player to target before the point starts is the advanced tactical layer of the third shot drive.